7 STEP RESEARCH PROCESS

1. Define and develop a topic

 Student identifies a topic which:

o meets the requirements of the assignment;
o is possible to complete given the available resources and services;
o adds to the knowledge base of the student, class, university, or scholarly
discipline.
 Develop and refine a thesis statement

2. Identify types and extent of information needed

 Student understands differences between types of information sources.

 Student can identify the most appropriate information sources for topic.
o Books, journal articles, newspapers, websites, videos, music, podcasts, blogs,
interviews, radio shows, mashups, social networking sites, government
documents, reports from non-profits, statistical data, experiments, etc.

3. Access and/or collect the information needed

 Student can locate background information on topic, and if necessary, modify

research topic based on initial background information
 Student can access information through a variety of sources including:
o WMU Library Catalog or other library catalogs
o Electronic databases – journal articles and other information
o Public websites
 Student can collect primary data through a variety of sources including:
o Surveys
o Interviews
o Experiments
o Archival documents

4. Critically evaluate information collected

 Student evaluates the appropriateness of information for topic based on:

o Authority
o Timeliness
o Bias and Objectivity
o Accuracy
o Coverage
 Student recognizes the cultural, physical, or other context in which the information was
created, and understands the impact of that context on interpreting the information.
5. Interpret and synthesize information

 Student organizes and integrates information gathered during research with

knowledge and skills transferred from prior experiences to support research topic.
 Student analyzes information and draws conclusions to support research topic.

6. Communicate results

 Student chooses a medium and format appropriate to the topic and the intended
audience.
 Student communicates ideas, information, and conclusions clearly and with a style
designed for the intended audience.

7. Use and cite information ethically and legally – avoid plagiarism

 Student follows a standard documentation style guide (as mandated by instructor or

discipline).
 Student cites all information and data appropriately.
 Student follows all HSIRB guidelines if appropriate.
 Student understands and respects legal and ethical issues of information, plagiarism,
and copyright.